By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
You may know St. Croix jewelers Sonya Ltd as the originator of the hook bracelet, that classically Crucian silver or gold piece of jewelry that silently signals whether you’re single or taken, depending on whether you wear the the hook toward or away from your wrist.
But you might not know that company also produces limited edition wristlets to commemorate significant moments in island history, and that, of these, the hurricane bracelets are most popular.
Sonya’s has specially designed iterations for storms including hurricanes Hugo (1989), and Lenny (1999). And now they’ve added the Irma bracelet.
The September tempest’s edition is fashioned in 5mm-wide sterling silver and features five 14k gold balls to signify Irma’s category five status. As with all the other hurricane bracelets, it signifies an acknowledgment of nature’s primal force but also of humanity’s resilience. And in a Facebook post this week, Sonya’s has also announced their intention to donate part proceeds of the sale of the $175-bracelets to relief efforts on sister U.S Virgin Islands St. Thomas and St. John, both of which sustained major damage.
So if you’re looking for ways to help the region right now, know that you have choices. Donate money to legitimate aid organizations. Continue to visit the Caribbean. And now, shop.